Eyes On Isles
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Islanders need strong Barclays Center home stand after bye week

By Billy Lewis

NEW YORK, NEW YORK - JANUARY 21: Josh Bailey #12 of the New York Islanders (2nd from left) celebrates his power-play goal at 13:35 of the first period against the New York Rangers at Madison Square Garden on January 21, 2020 in New York City. (Photo by Bruce Bennett/Getty Images)
NEW YORK, NEW YORK - JANUARY 21: Josh Bailey #12 of the New York Islanders (2nd from left) celebrates his power-play goal at 13:35 of the first period against the New York Rangers at Madison Square Garden on January 21, 2020 in New York City. (Photo by Bruce Bennett/Getty Images) /
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The New York Islanders are coming off an up and down first half. The strength of their 17 game point streak has them right in the thick of the playoff hunt.

The New York Islanders sit in third place of the Metropolitan division. Unfortunately, the playoff race is tight and a bad couple of games can put the Islanders on the outside looking in. Last time we saw the Isles play, they beat the Ranger 4-2 in MSG.

On Saturday the Isles come out of the by-week with a tilt against the Cancuks in a matinee at the Barclays Center. It’ll be the first of three straight at the Barclays Center.

Since the 17 game point streak, the Islanders have been pedestrian at best. It would surely behoove them to string some wins together.

Good at the Barc

They will welcome in three Western Conference teams as after the Canucks they’ll play the Stars and Kings. Saturday will be the first meeting between the Islanders and Canucks on the season, they are 0-2-0 combined against the Stars and Kings.

The break came at a good time for the Isles as they were 2-3-2 in their seven games before the break, including a debilitating loss to the Capitals on Long Island.

Trotz and company need to go on a run to solidify their playoff chances. Though they have struggled in recent games, they still have themselves in a good position. This team may still be a piece away from becoming a legitimate Stanley Cup contender, but there is no reason they should miss the playoffs.

Coming out of the break, the Isles get three straight at the Barclays. A place where they’ve been rather good since 2015. In 150 games, the Isles are 82-48-20 in Brooklyn. This might just be the right time to play at the Barc.

The Isles needed the break to rest, relax, and recharge, but the rest will also serve them well with a busy schedule as they head down the stretch. After playing only 11 games in January, they will have 33 in 64 days.

Next. Islanders Special Teams Decline

This streak will define the Islanders season. With the trade deadline in the middle of the streak, it’s certainly possible that the team will look a little different by the end.

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